Top Tips on Taking Your Dog Away With You This Christmas

Every dog deserves their pawfect holiday made easier with these top tips

With the festive season nearing and many looking to take advantage of the time off with a staycation, dog owners may feel the need to put their dogs in kennels, however for many of us, our dogs are part of the family, so why not take them with you to join in on the fun?

There are plenty of dog-friendly spots around the UK, but that said, finding a place to stay and ensuring your dog is well-behaved and comfortable is sometimes easier said than done!

Holiday lettings company Sweetcombe Cottage Holidays have put together its top tips to ensure our four-legged friends have the time of their lives, and our lives are made a little easier.

Choose the location wisely

Ask yourself whether the chosen location is appropriate to bring a dog along. Does it have walking trails and open spaces for your pop to explore in? If your dog doesn’t take to other animals, make sure the location isn’t near livestock. It’s also worth checking to see if there are any dog-friendly pubs and restaurants available nearby, as leaving your dog in an unfamiliar home could distress them.
Dog-friendly accommodation

When booking accommodation, as nice as the rooftop views and jacuzzi balconies may be, the property must be dog-practical as well. Nowadays, there’s an abundance of properties to choose from that accommodate pets to ensure the whole family is comfortable. Self-catering properties are often deemed popular as they offer flexibility and easy access to amenities.
Pack their favourite things

Dogs are creatures of habit – a familiar smell or toy can do wonders for making them feel at home in a new place. By packing their favourite bed or cuddly toy, that sense of home will help them adjust.
Plan the journey ahead

Avoid a long journey being your dog’s first car ride, ease them into the experience by taking them on short journeys before and see how they react. Try to make them feel more comfortable by bringing along their favourite treats and water. A car footwell/boot isn’t the comfiest place to be for a few hours, so plan enough stops to let your dog stretch their legs, they need a break too!
Help them adjust

A change of environment can cause some understandable anxiety. On arrival, set up your dog’s space straight away. By giving them a space with their bed, toys and other familiar items, a sense of home is created immediately. It may take a while for them to adjust, so give them attention, release their energy, and be patient with their behaviour – they don’t really understand what’s happening! For some added calm, provide them with some calming dog treats designed to reduce stress and anxiety.
Try to keep their routine the same

Whilst a holiday does often provide a new routine, some dogs thrive off a schedule of doing things at the same time every day. Whether it’s mealtimes, walks, being let out or socialising, try and keep the dogs every day the same as you can to avoid them being in distress.
Plan some dog-friendly activities

After all, you are on holiday! Plan things both you and your furry friend can enjoy, perhaps some scenic walks followed by a paddle in a nearby stream, before booking a reservation at a nearby dog-friendly pub. You know what they say, like a dog-like owner!